Page 87 of Don't Let Me Break

What a bitch.

The word feels harsh, considering Summer’s glassy eyes. The tears sure as heck felt genuine, but still. Talking about Macklin like that to his daughters? His daughters who already have a rocky relationship with him? It’s a low blow, and there’s no excuse for it.

Flustered, I grab a freshly cleaned glass, fill it withice, and watch the fizz permeate around it as I fill the cup with Diet Coke. Doing the same to a second glass, I fume as I glance at the table again, my curiosity getting the best of me. Summer’s talking, though I have no idea what she’s saying. Miley is frowning and shaking her head as if she doesn’t like what she’s hearing as she stares at the menu in front of her.

Poor girl.

I wouldn’t want to be around the woman, either, not when she’s clearly frustrated her ex is moving on. One thing’s for sure. I wouldn’t want to be on the woman’s shit list.

Nope. No, thank you.

This means waiting on her table while knowing what it’s like to have her ex’s tongue down my throat is going to be a real joy.

Once I have their drinks, I ignore my shaking hands and force my legs to move. I walk back to their table, setting the glasses in front of Mack’s ex and his youngest daughter.

Does he know they’re here? Probably not. Does he know this mysterious Rachel saw us last night? I doubt it. Does he know his ex talks about him when he isn’t around and makes some pretty crappy assumptions? Maybe.Probably.But it doesn’t exactly make me feel any better.

After taking their orders, I slip my notepad into the black apron around my waist, ready to place their orders with the cook, when Summer stops me.

“I don’t suppose you go to LAU, do you?” she asks, toying with the small gold locket around her neck.

I gulp. “Uh, yes. I do go to LAU. Why?”

“Do you happen to know Theodore Taylor?”

My heart stops. “Theo?”

“Yes.”

“Uh, yeah. Everyone knows Theo Taylor,” I reply, anxiety gnawing at me.

“I don’t suppose you’ve seen him with his older brother, have you?”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure. Does he attend LAU too?”

“Oh, no. I’m afraid he might be messing with one of the students who goes there. And you know how it is. Some girls, especially young ones, can be quite naive. I’m simply trying to look out for whoever my ex is currently…hooking up with.”

Eyes wide, I turn to Miley. I’m not sure why. Maybe I need someone to reassure me that I’m not crazy, and I most definitely heard what I thought I did. Unfortunately, Miley’s head is down, and most of her hair covers her face as if she wants to block out the world, especially her mother. But I can feel her anxiety.

Then again, maybe it’s my own.

Is this woman serious?

“I, uh… Are you sure it’s any of your business?” I question her. “You said he went out on a date with a younger woman. Every girl at LAU is legally an adult and can date whoever they want, so I’m not sure how it involves you or if it’s your job to make sure they know who they’re hooking up with.”

“Excuse me?” Summer demands, her tone squeaking. “I was only asking––”

“Mom,” Miley snaps. She lifts her head and looks at the woman sitting across from her. “You’re being weird. Stop it.” She glances at me, reads my nametag, and adds, “Kate’s right. Dad can do whatever he wants as long as he’s dating a consenting adult. And we both know Rachel never liked him and probably blew things out of proportion in the first place. Now, can wepleasestop talking about Dad and let the waitress put in our order?”

As if she’s been slapped, Summer’s long lashes flutter as she reaches out and pats Miley’s clenched fist resting on the table. “You’re right, Miles.” She turns to me again. “And you’re right too. After the divorce papers were signed, it became none of my business, and I prefer it that way. Now. Is there any way you could put a rush on our meals? We’re kind of on a time crunch.”

“Sure thing.”

Turning on my heel, I head back to the kitchen, give the cook their orders, and slump against the wall, trying to maintain an ounce of composure. Was I being a bitch? Did I overstep my bounds the same way she clearly overstepped hers?

Was I obvious?

Does she know?